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A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry reveals the multiple health concerns faced by an estimated 3,000 tenants in single-room occupancy (SRO) hotels in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES).

Researchers found that approximately two-thirds of SRO tenants surveyed were previously homeless and suffered from an average of three illnesses at the same time. Furthermore, 95 per cent had substance dependence and nearly two-thirds were involved in injection drug use. Eighteen per cent of the residents surveyed were HIV-positive and 70 per cent had been exposed to hepatitis C.

“This study demonstrates the complex health issues of this vulnerable population,” said Dr. Julio Montaner, director of the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS and co-author of the study. “The findings reinforce the need to expand access to treatment to prevent transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV and viral hepatitis, and further develop approaches that are tailored to the unique needs of this community.”

Due to their affordability, SROs are often the only alternative to homelessness for low-income individuals in Vancouver and other major cities. Some SROs are substandard and many tenants suffer from substance dependence, mental illness, and infectious diseases.

“Even with the great progress that has been made in decreasing overdose deaths through the establishment of InSite, the supervised injection site, the death rate in our participants was still nearly five times greater than in the general population,” says Dr. William Honer, professor and head of the UBC Department of Psychiatry and senior author of the study. “Compared with homelessness, there has been relatively little research into the magnitude of the health problems experienced by people living in marginal housing.”

In order to combat the spread of HIV among this population, British Columbia launched the Seek and Treat for Optimal Prevention of HIV/AIDS (STOP HIV/AIDS) pilot in 2009, which aimed to expand access to HIV medications among hard-to-reach and vulnerable populations in the DTES and Prince George. The successful initiative has since been expanded province-wide.

The results of the AJP-published study aim to further inform the provision of health care and housing among this often-overlooked segment of the population.